Make a decision already. Are you going to get an iPad, Android tablet, laptop, or Surface? Well, first things first, don’t get an Android tablet, they are lame. Also laptops are too expensive and too cumbersome.
So it comes down to the iPad and Surface. Here are the specs: The Surface 32 GB starts at $499. The iPad 2 16 GB is $399. The iPad 3 with Retina 16 GB is $499. And the iPad Mini 16 GB is $329.
The iPad has a 9.7 inch diagonal screen whereas the Surface has a larger 10.6 inch diagonal display. This larger screen helps make the Surface feel more like a laptop than a tablet. Also for an extra $119, you can get the Touch Cover for the Surface. Contrary to the commercials, this does not come standard with the Surface. The Touch Cover comes in a bundle for $599.
The iPad can run from 32 to 64 GB of storage with no external memory compared to the Surface’s starting 32 GB storage with virtually limitless external storage. This is one point that Microsoft has Apple beat. With no option of more memory, Apple consumers must pay the extra $100 to get a measly 32 GB of extra memory. For the same price, Microsoft customers can go get an external hard drive containing 1 TB of memory. That is 1000 GB!
From the perspective of apps, Apple wins hands down. The App Store is much older and has far more apps available. Windows 8 is young and has not had the time to grow. However, the Surface has all of the brand new Microsoft Office 13 preloaded onto the device.
So the question still looms, which one should you buy? It really depends on what you are used to. The iPad has more options available although can be more expensive. The Surface offers familiarity to Windows users that are easily welcomed and can be much cheaper, However, it is in its youth and needs time to mature and get bugs worked out.